Montreal REM Prepares for Ice Storm with Overnight De-Icing Measures
Montreal’s REM light rail network is taking proactive steps tonight as a significant ice storm is expected to sweep through the region. Pulsar, the REM’s operator, is adjusting operations to safeguard passengers and maintain reliable service throughout the storm.
Service will end earlier than usual Tuesday night, with the last departures from Gare Centrale set for 11 p.m. in both directions. This early closure allows crews to apply a biodegradable de-icing product to the catenary, the overhead electrical lines that power the trains. The timing also takes into account the end of the Canadiens game at the Bell Centre, ensuring that fans can complete their journeys safely before the freezing rain arrives.
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But the network won’t simply pause. Empty trains will continue to circulate overnight from Tuesday into Wednesday. This preventive measure is designed to limit ice accumulation on the overhead lines, keeping the network ready for a return to full service. Wednesday, train frequency will be adjusted to a five-minute interval across the network, further reducing the risk of ice buildup and helping maintain smooth operations during the storm.
Pulsar has introduced several innovative strategies this winter to handle freezing rain and ice formation. In addition to the biodegradable de-icing product, the operator can now adjust electrical management to slightly increase wire temperatures, reducing ice formation. Trains are also equipped with improved scrapers to optimize the removal of ice from the overhead lines. These combined measures aim to protect both infrastructure and passengers, preventing service interruptions during severe winter weather.
For commuters, this means careful planning is essential. Real-time updates will be available on the REM’s Service Status page, their social media channels, text alerts and popular trip-planning tools like Chrono, Transit, Google Maps and Apple Maps. Riders are encouraged to check these platforms before traveling and to allow extra time for their journeys.
This early action highlights the growing importance of modern, responsive infrastructure in extreme weather conditions. With climate events becoming increasingly unpredictable, transit systems like the REM are taking every possible step to keep cities moving safely. The adjustments tonight not only protect passengers but also set a precedent for how urban transport networks can adapt to weather challenges in real time.
Stay tuned to the REM’s official channels for updates and plan your trips carefully. Keep watching here for continuous coverage and the latest developments as Montreal braces for freezing rain and winter’s next big challenge.
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